
harmonize their views of science with Scrip-
ture statements. Many accept mere theories
and speculations as scientific facts, and they
think that God's Word is to be tested by the
teachings of 'science falsely so called.'
1 Timothy 6:20. The Creator and His
works are beyond their comprehension; and
because they cannot explain these by na-
tural laws, Bible history is regarded as un-
reliable. Those who doubt the reliability of
the records of the Old and New Testa-
ments too often go a step further and
doubt the existence of God and attribute
infinite power to nature. Having let go
their anchor, they are left to beat about
upon the rocks of infidelity."—The
Great
Controversy,
page 522.
8.
How much of Scripture is in-
spired? 2 Tim. 3:16, first part.
NOTE.—"And when men, compassed with
human infirmities, affected in a greater or
less degree by surrounding influences, and
having hereditary and cultivated tendencies
which are far from making them wise or
heavenly-minded, undertake to arraign the
Word of God, and to pass judgment upon
what is divine and what is human, they are
working without the counsel of God. The
Lord will not prosper such a work. The
effect will be disastrous, both upon the
one engaged in it and upon those who ac-
cept it as a work from God. Skepticism
has been aroused in many minds by the
theories presented as to the nature of in-
spiration. Finite beings, with their narrow,
shortsighted views, feel themselves compe-
tent to criticize the Scriptures, saying: 'This
passage is needful, and that passage is not
needful, and is not inspired.'
"—Testimonies,
vol. 5,
p. 709
9.
What will a reading of the Scrip-
tures do for "the simple"? Ps. 19:7,
11; 2 Tim. 3:15.
NOTE.—"In order for Satan to maintain
his sway over men, and establish the au-
thority of the papal usurper, he must keep
them in ignorance of the Scriptures. The
Bible would exalt God and place finite men
in their true position; therefore its sacred
truths must be concealed and suppressed.
This logic was adopted by the Roman
Church. For hundreds of years the circu-
lation of the Bible was prohibited. The
people were forbidden to read it or to have
it in their houses, and unprincipled priests
and prelates interpreted its teachings to sus-
tain their pretensions. Thus the pope came
to be almost universally acknowledged as
the vicegerent of God on earth, endowed
with authority over church and state.
"The detector of error having been re-
moved, Satan worked according to his will."
—The Great Controversy,
page 51.
10.
What is said regarding the
breadth of Bible teaching and coun-
sel? Ps. 19:8-10; 119:96.
NOTE.—"Those who are unwilling to ac-
cept the plain, cutting truths of the Bible
are continually seeking for pleasing fables
that will quiet the conscience. The less
spiritual, self-denying, and humiliating the
doctrines presented, the greater the favor
with which they are received. These persons
degrade the intellectual powers to serve
their carnal desires. Too wise in their
own conceit to search the Scriptures with
contrition of soul and earnest prayer for
divine guidance, they have no shield from
delusion. Satan is ready to supply the
heart's desire, and he palms off his decep-
tions in the place of truth."—The
Great
Controversy,
page
523.
Reasons Some Give for Rejecting
the Bible
11.
When troubled by doubts, what
should we pray? Mark 9:24.
NOTE.—"There is but one course for those
to pursue who honestly desire to be freed
from doubts. Instead of questioning and
caviling concerning that which they do not
understand, let them give heed to the light
which already shines upon them, and they
will receive greater light. Let them do
every duty which has been made plain to
their understanding, and they will be en-
abled to understand and perform those of
which they are now in doubt."—The
Great
Controversy,
page 528.
36